Harvey Weinstein is on trial, again. Opening arguments start Wednesday
NPR Online NewsAPR 22
Weinstein Faces Retrial With Female-Majority Jury
Above: Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court ahead of opening arguments in the rape and sexual assault trial against him in New York City on April 23, 2025. Image copyright: SARAH YENESEL/POOL/AFP via Getty mages
The Spin
Narrative A
The retrial represents a crucial opportunity to hold a powerful figure accountable for sexual misconduct, as the original conviction's overturn was a setback for sexual assault survivors who risked everything to come forward, and the case remains a pivotal moment in addressing sexual violence in the entertainment industry.
Narrative B
The appeals court's decision to overturn the original conviction was justified due to fundamental legal errors that compromised the defendant's right to a fair trial, and the inclusion of prejudicial testimony from uncharged allegations violated proper judicial procedure, necessitating a new trial focused solely on the specific charges at hand.